Important Matchups the Football World Collectively Forgot About

Maxx Crosby vs. Chiefs OL

Sports Illustrated

The most pressing rivalry in Patrick Mahomes' career is with a defensive lineman. The Sapp-Favre vibes aside, Crosby is lauded for his pass rushing ability like most of his peers in his tax bracket, but unlike some of them, his ability against the run makes him more of a force to be reckoned with. If the Raiders want to overcome a double-digit spread, their star would have to take advantage of one of the few spots on the Chiefs roster that has any lingering questions around it. Though Jaylon Moore was a great substitution for the rookie sensation, Josh Simmons, the first-year player won the job for a reason. We will have to see if Moore can back his performance up with another outing like he had against Aidan Hutchinson.

Justin Jefferson & Jordan Addison vs. Eagles secondary

The Eagles defense is another bit of business that isn't quite working out for the defending champs coming off back-to-back losses. Cooper DeJean has been the only bright-ish light but Kelee Ringo and Adoree Jackson have become borderline un-playable. Jefferson and Addison, on paper, count themselves among the best receiving duos in the league, but have yet to jump on the scene in 2025 aside from brief bursts. If they can deliver a performance similar to what Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins did for Joe Flacco on TNF for Carson Wentz, the vengeful former son of Philly, then they have a real shot. The Eagles would have real questions to answer, especially if they face yet another conference loss.

Bijan Robinson vs. 49ers rush defense

The San Francisco biannual injury parade is particularly devastating to watch. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are not only two of the best 3 49ers, but they're some of the elites in the NFL. Bijan is licking his chops at these facts particularly after his performance against Buffalo. Keeping the game fast against a Kyle Shanahan team that is rarely very good when down big could be massive for Atlanta.

CBS Sports

Patriots defense vs. Titans offense

The Tennesseean

Mike Vrabel has been waiting for this moment since the final moving truck got his family's belongings in Nashville. While Drake Maye is the talk of Boston sports radio, Vrabel and Pats faithful know that defense is what they could hang their hats on this week. Cam Ward and the Titans are one of the least efficient offenses in the NFL, but could catch some of the fired coach bump from Brian (and Bill) Callahan's departure. Another signature win for New England could be coming down the pike with a dominant defensive showing with it.